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Argentina Crushes Bolivia 4-0 in First Match Without Messi
Argentina defeated Bolivia 4-0 in its first match since Lionel Messi's international retirement, with goals from Lautaro Martínez, Nicolás Paz, Cristian Romero, and José Manuel López. Coach Lionel Scaloni tested new players and tactical formations, including a dual-striker setup and debuts for four players, as Argentina moves forward without its historic captain.
Quick Facts
- Friendly international football match
- Argentina defeats Bolivia 4-0
- Scaloni tests new lineup and tactical formations
- Romero captains side in Messi's absence
- No. 10 jersey left unworn as tribute to Messi
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Argentina opened a new era without Lionel Messi with a commanding 4-0 friendly victory over Bolivia on Wednesday in Córdoba, marking the team's first match since losing the World Cup final to Spain. Lautaro Martínez scored in the 19th minute, Nicolás Paz doubled the lead in the 29th, Cristian Romero added a third in the 54th, and José Manuel López sealed the win in the 86th minute. The victory provided reassurance as coach Lionel Scaloni tested tactical adjustments and rotated his squad without the retiring 39-year-old star.
Scaloni made several notable lineup decisions. He left the iconic No. 10 jersey unworn as a tribute to Messi, who will play his final international match against Benin next Tuesday. Cristian Romero captained the side in Messi's absence. The coach experimented with a dual-striker formation pairing Lautaro Martínez and Julián Álvarez, deployed several players with limited international experience including laterals Agustín Giay and Román Vega, and gave debuts to Valentín Gómez, Leonel Flores, Santiago Simón, and Ezequiel Fernández. Exequiel Palacios, operating in midfield, was among the standout performers.
López, a forward from Palmeiras, scored his first international goal just 11 minutes after entering the match as a substitute for Martínez, who left the field with a minor head injury. The match highlighted Argentina's offensive depth beyond Messi. Paz, on loan at Como in Italy, demonstrated technical skill and creativity, while Palacios orchestrated play through the midfield. Scaloni's tactical flexibility—shifting between a 4-4-2 and 4-2-3-1 formation—suggested the team was adapting to Messi's departure while maintaining possession-based football.
FIFA had reduced the stadium's capacity to half due to disciplinary sanctions against Argentine supporters for racist chants during the recent World Cup. Bolivia, ranked 77th globally and still pursuing its first World Cup qualification since 1994, offered minimal resistance. The match was Argentina's first competitive action following the World Cup final defeat in extra time. Scaloni is expected to continue as coach, with his contract set to expire by year-end, and the team will face Burkina Faso on Saturday before Messi's farewell match against Benin on October 6.
Topics
Why This Matters
Argentina moved forward without its most decorated player following Messi's international retirement. The 4-0 victory over Bolivia demonstrated the team's offensive depth and tactical flexibility as it transitions toward future World Cup cycles. Scaloni tested new player combinations and formations that will shape squad selection and team strategy for upcoming Copa América and World Cup qualifications, with measurable roster changes evident through debuts of four players and experimentation with dual-striker systems. The match also represents Argentina's competitive rhythm following the World Cup final loss to Spain, with further fixtures scheduled before Messi's farewell appearance.
Timeline & Sources
Sep 30, 2026
WireLautaro Martínez scores for Argentina in 19th minute (1-0)
Sep 30, 2026
WireNicolás Paz scores for Argentina in 29th minute (2-0)
Oct 6, 2026
WireMessi scheduled to play final international match for Argentina against Benin at Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires
Oct 6, 2026
WireLionel Messi scheduled to wear Argentina No. 10 jersey one final time in farewell match against Benin
Related Signals
Sources
- Argentina Bolivia Amistoso Messi Bcf2c539da39a7aa06d7beebe52af952apWireOct 1, 2026
- Argentina Bolivia Messi Scaloni B21640348a807f248f78c861b585aae4apWireOct 1, 2026
- Argentina inicia la era post Messi con goleada ante Bolivia en Fecha FIFAClaro SportsMediaOct 1, 2026
- Argentina goleó a Bolivia en el arranque de la era post-Messi: reviví lo mejorTyC SportsMediaOct 1, 2026
- Flaco López marcó su primer gol en Argentina ante BoliviaESPN DeportesMediaOct 1, 2026
- La première Argentine sans Messi fonctionne : 4-0 contre la Bolivie, avec des buts de Lautaro Martinez et Nico PazGoal.comMediaOct 1, 2026
- Argentina jugó para Scaloni y Messi: goleada frente a Bolivia en Córdoba con un rendimiento que no se resiente y renueva la ilusiónClarin.comMediaOct 1, 2026